SLBM: 3 Jin-class SSBNs deployed with more under construction (12 missile capability per SSBN); approximately 12 JL-1 SLBMs and 36 JL-2 SLBMs (neither of which are fully operational) [4]

Cruise missiles: DH-10 (conventional or nuclear capability); estimated 200-500 missiles with 40-55 launchers. Numbers have not been updated since 2011 because the Pentagon no longer releases its estimates concerning Chinese missiles. [5]

The warheads are controlled by the Central Military Commission and kept in central facilities located throughout China. If a nuclear threat should arise, nuclear warheads would be mated with missiles and SSBNs would have to be equipped with warheads before deployment. However, recent satellite images have prompted speculation that Chinese warheads will eventually be deployed on patrolling SSBNs beyond Chinese borders, similarly to some other nuclear weapon states. [6]

This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, or agents.

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The Nuclear Disarmament Resource Collection contains information and analysis of nuclear weapons disarmament proposals and progress worldwide, including detailed coverage of disarmament progress in countries who either possess or host other countries' nuclear weapons on their territories.